Fabric selection and performance matching

Abstract

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for fabric selection and performance matching. The method includes selecting a fabric combination from a set of different constructions and materials, the selection being made on a basis of predetermined characteristics of fabric performance and comfort required to meet specified parameters of conditions and manner of use.

1. A computer-implemented method for determining a comfort zone comprising:
 selecting, in a data processing apparatus, a first knit fleece fabric from a set of knit fleece fabrics of different constructions and materials, the selection being made on a basis of (a) predetermined physical data of each knit fleece fabric individually and in combination with other knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics, and (b) selection of one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics such that combined, the first knit fleece fabric and the one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics meet specified parameters of conditions and manner of use. 
 
     
     
       2. A computer-implemented method for determining a comfort zone comprising:
 selecting, in a data processing apparatus, a first knit fleece fabric from a set of knit fleece fabrics of different constructions and materials, the selection being made on a basis of (a) predetermined physical data of each knit fleece fabric individually and in combination with other knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics, and (b) selection of one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics such that combined, the first knit fleece fabric and the one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics achieve a thermal neutral zone. 
 
     
     
       3. The computer-implemented method of  claim 2  in which the first knit fleece fabric comprises a first layer. 
     
     
       4. The computer-implemented method of  claim 3  in which the first layer comprises a knit construction. 
     
     
       5. The computer-implemented method of  claim 2  in which the first knit fleece fabric comprises an outer layer. 
     
     
       6. The computer-implemented method of  claim 5  in which the outer layer is a knit, woven, or laminate coat construction. 
     
     
       7. The computer-implemented method of  claim 2  in which the first knit fleece fabric further comprises a second layer. 
     
     
       8. The computer-implemented method of  claim 7  in which the second layer is an insulation layer. 
     
     
       9. The computer-implemented method of  claim 7  in which the first knit fleece fabric further comprises a third layer. 
     
     
       10. The computer-implemented method of  claim 9  in which the third layer is weather protection layer. 
     
     
       11. The computer-implemented method of  claim 9  in which the third layer is a knit, woven or laminate coat construction. 
     
     
       12. A computer program product, tangibly embodied in an information carrier, for determining a comfort zone, the computer program product being operable to cause a data processing apparatus to:
 select a first knit fleece fabric from a set of knit fleece fabrics of different constructions and materials, the selection being made on a basis of (a) physical data of each knit fleece fabric individually and in combination with other knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics, and (b) selection of one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics such that combined, the first knit fleece fabric and the one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics meet specified parameters of conditions and manner of use. 
 
     
     
       13. A computer-implemented method for determining a comfort zone, comprising:
 maintaining, by a data processing apparatus, information about a set of knit fleece fabrics of different constructions and materials, including physical data of each knit fleece fabric individually and in combination with other knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics; 
 receiving, by the data processing apparatus, specified parameters of conditions and manner of use; and 
 selecting, by the data processing apparatus, a first knit fleece fabric from among the set of knit fleece fabrics, the selection being made on a basis of (a) the physical data, and (b) selection of one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics such that combined, the first knit fleece fabric and the one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the knit fleece fabrics meet the specified parameters of conditions and manner of use. 
 
     
     
       14. The computer implemented method of  claim 13 , wherein the conditions and manner of use comprises ambient temperature and type of activity. 
     
     
       15. The computer-implemented method of  claim 1 ,  2 , or  13 , further comprising:
 selecting a second fabric and a third fabric, and wherein the first fabric is used as an underwear, the second fabric is an insulation layer, and the third fabric is a shell layer. 
 
     
     
       16. A computer-implemented method for determining a comfort zone, comprising:
 providing, by a data processing apparatus, specified parameters of conditions and manner of use to a database that maintains information about a set of knit fleece fabrics of different constructions and materials, the maintained information including physical data of each knit fleece fabric individually and in combination with other knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics; and 
 receiving, by the data processing apparatus, an indication of selection from the database of a first knit fleece fabric from among the set of knit fleece fabrics, the selection being made on a basis of (a) the physical data, and (b) selection of one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the set of knit fleece fabrics such that combined, the first knit fleece fabric and the one or more additional knit fleece fabrics in the knit fleece fabrics meet the specified parameters of conditions and manner of use. 
 
     
     
       17. The computer implemented method of  claim 16 , wherein the conditions and manner of use comprises ambient temperature and type of activity. 
     
     
       18. A computer-implemented method for determining a fabric combination for a garment with a comfort zone, comprising:
 maintaining, by a data processing apparatus, information about a set of fabrics of different constructions and materials, including physical data of each fabric individually and in combination with other fabrics in the set of fabrics; 
 receiving, by the data processing apparatus, parameters of ambient temperature and type of activity for a wearer of the garment; and 
 receiving, by the data processing apparatus, selection of the fabric combination from the set of fabrics for the garment from among the set of fabrics, the selection being made on a basis of (a) the physical data, and (b) selection of two or more fabrics from the set of fabrics for use as different layers such that the fabrics combination provides a thermal neutral zone given the parameters of ambient temperature and type of activity. 
 
     
     
       19. The counter implemented method of  claim 18 , wherein the fabric combination comprises a knit fleece fabric.